Alexander POV
I sat at my desk, the polished mahogany surface reflecting the afternoon light pouring through the floor–to–ceiling windows of my office. Stacks of reports lay before me, papers waiting for signatures, and emails piling up on my computer screen. But none of it held my attention. Instead, my thoughts kept circling back to her–Christiana.
I leaned back in my chair, the leather creaking sofily under the weight of my thoughts, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. I couldn’t help it. Everything about last night and this morning was still fresh in my mind, replaying in vivid detail.
She was drunk, yes, but somehow even in her drunken state, she was beautiful. Being with Christiana, sharing the same space with her again, hell, sharing the same bed with her–it felt like stepping back in time, like all the years and the heartache had never happened.
I chuckled softly, running a hand through my hair, letting out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The image of her, flushed and confused when she woke up, still in her underwear, thinking something might have happened between us, was priceless. But nothing could compare to that kiss.
That kiss.
For a moment, I had her. Her lips on mine, her body close, her heart racing just like mine. And when she pulled away, breathless and unsure, I knew she felt it too. She might have walked out on me after that, choosing to go check on the kids, but the spark was there. It was real. I could feel it.
I glanced at the papers in front of me, my mind still far from the work I was supposed to be doing. I’d told her to be mine again. The words had come so naturally, like they’d been building up inside me for the past five years, just waiting for the right moment to come out. She hadn’t responded. She hadn’t said no either. That had to mean something, right?
I leaned forward, clasping my hands together on the desk, feeling that light–heartedness again. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this… elated. It was ridiculous, really. A man like me, a billionaire who commanded entire companies, reduced to this giddy feeling because of a single kiss. But it wasn’t just the kiss. It was her. It had always been her.
I’d been with countless women since the divorce, but none of them mattered. None of them had that spark. Christiana was different. She always had been,
A knock on my office door interrupted my thoughts. “Come in, I called, still smiling like a fool.
James, my assistant, stepped in, eyeing me curiously. “Sir, I have the reports you requested for the Westgate project.”
“Leave them on the desk,” I said, waving him off, my tone much lighter than usual. Even James seemed taken aback by my
mood.
He hesitated for a moment before placing the file down, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Are you feeling alright, sir?”
I raised an eyebrow at him. “Why do you ask?”
“You just seem different today. Happier, if I may say so.”
I smirked, leaning back again, folding my arms across my chest. Let’s just say I had a good morning”
James blinked in surprise but wisely didn’t press further. “Very well, sir. If you need anything. I’ll be outside.” Thanks, James.” I nodded, watching him leave before turning my gaze back to the skyline outside my window.
Yeah. I’d had a good morning. Even thought Christiana hadn’t given me the answer I wanted, I wasn’t deterred. If anything, her walking away only made me more determined. I knew her better than anyone. She needed time to process, to think
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Chapter 68.
things through. But 1 had planted the seed. I’d be patient, for now.
醵969%,
The truth was. I hadn’t felt this alive in years. Waking up next to her, seeing her face first thing in the morning–God, it reminded me of everything we used to have. She’d looked so peaceful, even in her hungover state. Five years ago, she’d always slept curled up next to me, her breathing soft and steady. That morning, it was like stepping back into a memory! didn’t even realize I missed so much.
I ran a hand across my jaw, still feeling the warmth of her skin, the taste of her lips. My smile widened as I recalled how she looked at me with horror when I stepped out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel. If only she knew how much self- control it took not to pull her back into my arms right then and there.
And now… I sighed, my fingers drumming lightly on the desk. She was on my mind more than ever. But that was fine. In fact, it was more than fine. It was exhilarating. Because for the first time in a long while, I felt like I had something to look forward to again.
Christiana hadn’t given me her answer yet, but I knew I’d get it. One way or another, she’d be mine again. She had to be.
Roger Wilkes. The moment I heard his name again, it felt like a trigger had been pulled inside me. The smug, conniving bastard had crossed a line–stealing guests from Christiana’s exhibition, sabotaging her work. He didn’t realize the storm he’d brought upon himself. This wasn’t just business for me. It was personal.
1 stood in the center of my office, phone clenched in my hand, as my assistant James finished making the necessary calls. It didn’t take long to get the confirmation I was waiting for.
“Sir, James said, entering with a folder in hand. “We’ve secured all his key contracts. His investors are pulling out, and his top clients have been informed about his… less–than–honorable practices.”
I smiled darkly, a cold satisfaction settling in. “Good. What about the banks?”
They’ve been notified, too. His accounts are under review. It won’t be long before everything freezes,” James responded, his voice steady but carrying an underlying tension. He knew how serious I was about this.
“Perfect,” I said, tapping the edge of the desk. “Schedule the meeting. I want to watch him sweat.”
An hour later, I walked into the high–rise conference room, my presence alone commanding attention. Roger was already there, pacing anxiously. The moment he saw me, his eyes narrowed. He tried to hide it, but the fear was there, bubbling just beneath the surface,
“Alex,” he started, his voice too casual for the panic in his eyes, “I think we should talk about this. No need to go nuclear.” I walked slowly to the head of the table, my eyes never leaving his. “Nuclear? You haven’t even seen nuclear yet, Roger.” I paused, leaning forward on the table, locking him in a stare that pinned him to the spot. “You stole from Christiana.”
Roger raised his hands defensively. “I didn’t-”
“Don’t insult my intelligence, I growled, my voice as sharp as a blade. “You poached her guests, messed with her and thought you’d get away with it? Do you have any idea who you’re dealing with?”
reputation.
The stammered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He was crumbling. “It was just an opportunity, Alex. Nothing personal. Business is cutthroat, you know that.”
My fists tightened, but I kept my composure: “You made it personal the moment you went after her. I stood up, pacing around the room, the sound of my shoes echoing against the marble floor. “You didn’t just sabotage some event. You targeted the wrong person. And now? Fin going to dismantle everything you’ve built.
“You’re overreacting.” Roger said, his voice quivering as he tried to regain control. “We can work something out, make a deal
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Chapter 68
I laughed, the sound cold and devoid of humor. “A deal? You think I need anything from you? Look at you, Roger. You’r nothing compared to me.”
I walked around the table until I was inches away from him. “Do you know what’s going to happen to you?” I asked quiet the threat hanging in the air. “By the end of today, every business you own will crumble. Your assets? Frozen. Your client! Gone. Your investors? I’ve already bought them out. By the time I’m done, you won’t even have enough left to pay your
staff.”
Roger’s face paled, his bravado slipping completely. “Please,” he muttered, desperation creeping in. “I… I didn’t mean to b her. I didn’t realize-
“You didn’t realize what?” I snapped, stepping closer, towering over him. “That you were messing with the woman I care about? That you were stepping into territory where you don’t belong?”
Roger swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. I’m sorry, Alex.”
“Sorry?” I repeated, shaking my head. “You’re not sorry. You’re just afraid.”
I leaned in closer my voice a low growl. “You should be.”
Roger stumbled backward, his breath quickening. I could see the terror in his eyes now. He knew he was finished.
“Get out of my sight, I said coldly, stepping back. “Before I change my mind and decide to ruin you even further.”
He didn’t need to be told twice. Roger practically bolted out of the room, his once arrogant posture now slumped in defeat
I stood there for a moment, letting the satisfaction wash over me. This was just the beginning. No one–no one–messed with Christiana and got away with it. I made sure of that.
As I walked out of the conference room, I couldn’t help but smile. Not because I’d destroyed Roger Wilkes, but because I knew that Christiana would never have to deal with his kind again.
I was her shield, whether she knew it or not. And I would burn the whole world down if it meant keeping her safe.
